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Should my children be TCKs?
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Do you have specific stories and experiences where being a TCK has been positive? I’d like to hear the case for having TCKs.
I often hear the following sentiment:
“From my own experience I’ve realized there are so many amazing things about being a TCK! Being open to new people, cultures and ideas is a valuable asset in our world. TCK experiences have helped me in times of change in my life and I am sure will continue to help. I feel privileged to identify in some way with people from varying backgrounds around the globe.”
Could you please share a positive experience you’ve had as a result of being a TCK? I’m sure being open to new culture is great, but I would love to hear specific examples from TCKs where having those attributes was beneficial.
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August 7th, 2008 at 5:09 am
This is a long one from me
To all the comments: I SO AGREE.
Growing up as a dip brat/TCK made me an effective communicator, a people person who is adaptable yet reliable. Someone who is easily approachable and who can in turn, easily approach others with confidence.
From my Mother I learned how to be polite and how to “positive script” things, even under times of stress and pressure. From my Father I learned how to be patient.
It’s really helped me in my day job (corporate) where I specialize in management development. When others stress over little things, I help them move on and concentrate on what’s important.
It’s handy when dealing with execs from Asia as well as the US. Being familiar with both cultures helps create a “bridge” when explaining cultural differences, as well nuances in language (there are so many different kinds of English!).
My other “work” and passion of a lifetime is in fashion/wardrobe styling. I love showing others that they can look great in what they wear, to feel confident about their shapes and sizes, and to try things they’ve never tried before.
I wonder about my own kids - what would happen if they grew up as TCKs? For my 9 year old, it would be a bigger adjustment than it would be for my 5 year old. And virtually no adjustment for the wee baby
I think what made it a LITTLE easier on me was that I started moving around at such a young age, so it became routine and not an unusual thing.
Good luck to everyone, and Vivien, hugs to your little girl.
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August 7th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
It helped me in my last job. It was a place where people of many different cultures worked, and there were inevitable misunderstandings. Because of my multicultural background, I was often able to explain to each side that the other side didn’t mean any offense. There were two benefits to that. One was that people became aware of cultural issues and some group projects went a little more smoothly than they might otherwise have. The other was that people (including upper management) started coming to me to ask “what did he mean by that?”, and I became more valuable as an employee than I might otherwise have been.
It’s been great to read everyone’s answers to this question! I haven’t checked in here in a while, and I forget how good it feels to connect to a group of people where the weird parts of me are “normal.” It really is nice!
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September 16th, 2008 at 9:50 am
I would not trade my TCK childhood for anything. Many reasons listed in comments above, and more. But more to the point: try to keep in mind that a sensitive child (as your daughter seems to be) will experience heartbreak, no matter where in the world she is raised. I have seen hometown schoolyard bullies, spiteful cliques of local girls, and favorite teachers leaving school on pregnancy leave, all cause equal misery in young girls. All can be gotten over with the help of caring parents.
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